Sony might be up to the XM6 (and the fancy ‘COLLEXION’) noise-cancelling headphones now, but there’s still a lot of love for its 2020 XM4 model. So popular is the XM4 that Sony has launched a new version, the WH-1000XM4C, with a few under-the-hood tweaks.
Much of the headphones’ design is the same: they feature the same folding design as the original XM4, and the same four-mic active noise cancellation technology. What’s different this time is new sound tuning in line with the XM5 and XM6 models “to match the latest music trends”.
Also new is Bluetooth 6 support, and the updated 10-band EQ customisation, up from the original model’s five-band EQ. Rounding out the main changes is a series of new colours, including Lavender, Black, and Platinum Silver.
Unfortunately, the battery now lasts 27 hours of ANC music playback time, slightly down from the original model’s 30 hours. What Hi-Fi? reported that this is due to Sony using user-replaceable batteries to comply with EU regulations.
Priced at $449.95 in Australia and now up for pre-order ahead of an October launch, the Sony WH-1000XM4C remains a cheaper alternative to the latest $579.95 XM6 model. And they’re a lot cheaper than Sony’s high-end The COLLEXION headphones, which cost $999 at launch.
It’s an interesting move to segment Sony’s well-known headphones range with a revised version of the XM4. The company copped a bit of flak for changing the folding design with the XM5, with many preferring the XM4 design. With the XM4C, it keeps the popular model alive for even longer.
Cheaper Sony headphones on the way
Alongside the XM4C are two new Sony wireless headphones arriving in Australia: the $229.95 WH-CH730N and the $99.95 WH-CH530.
Sony’s WH-CH730N include ANC, up to 50 hours of listening time, and a foldable design for compact storage. They don’t come with a case, however, and they have a smaller 30mm audio driver; hence the price difference compared to the XM4C.
Meanwhile, the entry-level WH-CH530 skip ANC, targeting people who want wireless headphones on a budget. Compared to the relatively muted tones of premium headphones, these over-ears get the most fun colours: Cobalt, Coral, Mint, Pink, White and Black. Like the WH-CH730N, the CH530 model gets Bluetooth 6.0 and 30mm drivers, with the design and ANC as the main differences.
Most eyes will naturally be on the XM4C, continuing the legacy of a popular set of headphones, but Sony hasn’t forgotten the affordable end of town.
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